Over 119 years and 40 editions, the recipes found within the pages of The Settlement Cookbook have been tweaked to adapt to changing technology and the availability of ingredients. The notes in the margins and lingering fingerprints on page corners are a reminder that the cookbook had a life before it settled into the collection.

Every Passover, Jewish families around the planet strive to make creative use of matzo. Although the dishes prepared with it are often beloved and nostalgic, by the end of the week incorporating the symbolic bread can feel like a struggle.

For me, whenever I hear the poem, I am immediately reminded of my grandparents, hard working, blue collar, Americans, so proud they could afford to buy books and dolls for their only grandchild, a little girl who had the education that had not been available to them, or their forebears.

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AJHS Temporarily Closed

In support of New York City's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the American Jewish Historical Society will be temporarily closed. The health and safety of The American Jewish Historical Society’s staff and visitors is our top priority, and we are continuing to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 Situation. During this time all in person events will be cancelled or postponed, and the library and other facilities of the five partner organizations will be closed to the public.

Our building is closed, but our staff, and the stories we work to preserve and share, continue to be here for you. The stories from our archives will continue to be accessible through our online catalogue, new virtual program offerings, and and digital platforms. Please check social media for ongoing updates and virtual offerings.